Nationals games among most expensive for families

Enjoying a game at Nationals Park is one of the most expensive family outings in Major League Baseball, according to Chicago-based Team Marketing Report.

The sports marketing publisher has created a Fan Cost Index, which includes four adult average-priced tickets, two draft beers, four soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and two baseball caps.

The the combined cost of those things at a Nationals game is $236.46, up 19.3 percent from last year and the fourth-most expensive for an MLB team.

A 16-ounce beer at Nats Park costs $8.25, the most expensive beer among MLB ballparks.

A day at Baltimore’s Camden Yards is about 30 percent cheaper than a day at Nats Park.

The Orioles come in 24th this year with a Fan Cost Index of $169.06, down 4 percent from last year.

The most expensive teams for fans are the Boston Red Sox, at $336.99 for a family of four, the New York Yankees, at $324.30, and the Chicago Cubs, at $298.20.

A family of four can enjoy a day at an Arizona Diamondbacks game for $151.55, the least expsensive among MLB teams.

The MLB Fan Cost Index average this season is $210.46, a 1.2 percent increase over last season.